NEWPORT (Shropshire): Newport Royal British Legion (NRBL) set the early pace after week one of the 2009-2010 Newport Pool League, which has attracted a capacity 16 teams for the first time.

Mick Beech, Jon Mason, Andy Lycett and Colin Pink got the defending champions off to a winning start in their singles matches against the Shakespeare B and the quartet completed the rout in the doubles to make a 100% start to their campaign.

Shakespeare A, King’s Head A and the Railway Tavern won their opening matches 5-1 against the Navy Club, Navigation and King’s Head B. Gerry Nunn put a solitary frame win on the board for the Navy Club at Bellman’s Yard, but singles wins for K Shaw, S Pocock, Paul Burton and Andy Potter set the Shakespeare A on their way.

Lynn Woodhouse stunned Ben Clewes at the Tavern to give the new visiting King’s Head ladies team the dream start, but Ray Talbot, Luke Jones and Louis Fudge stepped into the breach to restore law and order and Kim Wan Loi was on hand to support a rout in the doubles.

The Swan returned to the league for the first time in four years and started their campaign with a 4-2 win over Lilleshall Sports Centre. An outrageous fluke on the black set Emily Macpherson on her way and Dan Upton made it 2-0. Wins for Neil Perkins and Nick Clewley levelled the scores, but Gareth Thomas produced a sensational black double in the final rack to clinch the three points.

In other matches, the Wheatsheaf were held to a 3-3 draw by Junction A at Chetwynd Aston and a chuckling Mick Andrews led the New Inn to a triumphant 4-2 opening day win at Junction B.

The Sutherland Arms at Tibberton have re-joined the league after a four-year absence. They will take the vacant position five in the league fixtures and will begin their league campaign against the Navy Club.

The Audco Sports Club have also entered a team at the 11th hour and will take the vacant number 13 slot in the fixtures. Both teams were scheduled to play each other last Wednesday and will need to re-arrange the game as soon as possible. All team captains are requested to update their league fixtures accordingly.

All match forms are to be delivered to Ian Roberts at the Railway Tavern in Newport and match results sent immediately by text message to 07831 123153. Annual pool fees of £30 are now due.